Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, is set to host an International Conference from Tuesday, 3 November, to Friday, 6 November, 2026. The conference aims to honour the enduring legacy of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican Bishop and a renowned linguist and educator. The event will bring together scholars, clergy, and policymakers to explore how his historical contributions can address modern challenges.
The conference, themed “Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther and Contemporary Africa: Reimagining Faith, Scholarship, Leadership and Nation Building,” will focus on Crowther's contributions to faith, scholarship, leadership, and nation-building. His life's work had a significant impact on education and missionary activities in Africa. The conference will examine how his legacy can inspire solutions to contemporary issues such as governance, social inequality, and identity conflicts.
Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther was born in Osogun, in present-day Oyo State. He was captured by slave raiders as a teenager and sold to Portuguese traders. Fortunately, he was rescued by the British Royal Navy in 1822 and taken to Freetown, Sierra Leone. There, he was baptised and educated under the Church Missionary Society. This marked the beginning of his remarkable journey as a clergyman, educator, and linguist.
Crowther made significant contributions to the Yoruba language and culture. He produced the first Yoruba dictionary and translated the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer into Yoruba. His work in linguistics and education helped to promote African self-determination. In 1864, he was consecrated Bishop of the Niger Territories at Canterbury Cathedral. This consecration marked a significant milestone in his career as a pioneer of missions across the Niger region.
As the first African Anglican Bishop, Crowther advocated for education as a pathway to African self-determination. He believed that education was key to empowering Africans and promoting their socio-economic development. His legacy continues to inspire educational initiatives in Africa. The conference at ACU will explore how his ideas on education can be applied to address contemporary challenges.
The International Conference at ACU will provide a platform for scholars, clergy, and policymakers to engage with Crowther's legacy. The event will feature presentations, discussions, and debates on the relevance of his contributions to modern Africa. By examining his life's work, the conference aims to inspire new perspectives on faith, scholarship, leadership, and nation-building.
The conference will take place from November 3 to 6, 2026, at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. The event is expected to attract participants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. By honouring Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther's legacy, the conference aims to promote a deeper understanding of his contributions to African history, culture, and development.
Key points
- The conference will explore how Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther's historical contributions can address modern challenges such as governance, social inequality, and identity conflicts.
